If you are planning to open a hotel or any tourist accommodation in Malaysia, you will need to navigate a two‑tier registration process: a local business license from the municipal authority (PBT) and a federal registration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Both are mandatory under the Tourism Industry Act 1992, and the MOTAC registration fee is RM70 (RM20 processing + RM50 certificate). This guide walks you through the exact steps, costs, and legal requirements for hotel registration in Malaysia, drawing directly from official government sources.

Last checked: 2026-09-16

Required authority: MOTAC (Tourism Malaysia) · Legal business entity: Needed before license application (SSM registration) · Tourism tax rate: Varies; applies to foreign guests · Online tool: MOTAC’s registered hotel lookup for compliance checks

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-09-16.

Sources reviewed: Official MOTAC FAQs and guidelines, Tourism Malaysia industry page, SSM company registration portal, local authority licensing notices, legal text of the Tourism Industry Act (secondary mirror), and a […]

We did not conduct on‑site inspections, interview government officials, or verify local council fee schedules beyond the publicly available data. […]

At a glance: hotel registration in Malaysia

1 Federal registration fee
  • RM70 total – RM20 processing fee plus RM50 registration certificate fee (MOTAC FAQs)
2 Local authority license first
  • Before applying to MOTAC, you must hold a valid Accommodation Premises Business License issued by the respective Local Authority (PBT) (MOTAC FAQs)
3 Registration applies to all premises
  • Registration is required for all accommodation premises defined under the Tourism Industry Act, regardless of room count (MOTAC FAQs)
Required authorityMOTAC (federal registration) + Local Authority / PBT (business license)
Legal business entityCompany registered with SSM (or SKM for cooperatives, or government agency verification) required before MOTAC application
MOTAC registration feeRM70 (RM20 processing + RM50 certificate); payment after approval

How to get a hotel license in Malaysia?

Obtaining a hotel license in Malaysia involves a clear sequence of steps because two separate authorities must each approve your premises. Here is the step‑by‑step process based on official MOTAC guidelines and the Tourism Industry Act.

  1. Register your business entity. If you are a private operator, you must first incorporate a company with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
  2. Obtain the local authority (PBT) business license. Contact the municipal council where the property is located and apply for an Accommodation Premises Business License.
  3. Prepare your MOTAC application. You will need to upload scanned copies of your PBT business license, SSM registration (or ownership verification), and other supporting documents as listed in the MOTAC guideline.
  4. Pay the prescribed fees. After approval, pay RM20 processing fee and RM50 registration certificate fee.
  5. Receive your Tourist Accommodation Premises Registration Certificate. This certificate has no expiry date – it is a one‑time federal registration, though your local PBT license will typically require annual renewal.

“Registration under MOTAC is mandatory as stipulated in the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482).”

Tip: Do not assume that MOTAC registration replaces the local PBT license. Both are separate legal requirements.

What is the difference between a hotel license and a tourist accommodation premises registration?

The bottom line: The process is sequential – SSM → PBT → MOTAC – and can take several weeks if documents are complete. The biggest variable is the local authority license fee, which can range from a flat annual fee to a per‑room daily charge.

Note: The RM70 MOTAC fee is fixed and paid after approval.

“MOTAC’s FAQ states the registration fee total is RM70, consisting of a RM20 processing fee and RM50 registration certificate fee.”

Warning: If you plan to operate a short‑term residential accommodation (STRA) without a PBT‑issued business license, MOTAC will not accept your registration.

Key facts about MOTAC registration

The MOTAC registration process does not differentiate between local and foreign operators – both must present SSM documents and a PBT license. The following table summarises the key verified facts from official sources.

MOTAC registrationMandatory for all tourist accommodation premises under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
Business registration (SSM)Required for both local and foreign operators.
Registration certificate feeRM70 (RM20 processing + RM50 certificate).

The bottom line: The federal MOTAC registration is inexpensive and straightforward, but the real cost and time lie in satisfying the local authority requirements, which vary by municipality.

MOTAC registration vs. local authority (PBT) business license

MOTAC registration is a federal requirement under the Tourism Industry Act that registers your premises as a “Tourist Accommodation Premises.” It does not replace the business license issued by the local authority (PBT).

Additional sources

motac.gov.my, motac.gov.my, motac.gov.my, motac.gov.my, page.mysoftinn.com, bestar-my.com, motac.gov.my, motac.gov.my, page.mysoftinn.com, paulhypepage.my, dmedia.penerangan.gov.my, risinginfo.com.my, motac.gov.my, motac.gov.my, ownpropertyabroad.com, tourism.gov.my, mida.gov.my, malaymail.com, motac.gov.my, motac.gov.my, mida.gov.my, malaymail.com, dbkk.sabah.gov.my, mbstemp.mbs.gov.my, thestar.com.my

Frequently asked questions

Do bed and breakfasts and homestays need a hotel license?

Yes, all accommodation premises as defined under the Tourism Industry Act must register with MOTAC, regardless of the number of rooms. However, if the property is operated as short‑term residential accommodation (STRA) and does not hold a PBT business license, it is not eligible for MOTAC registration.

Which local authority issues the accommodation premises business license?

The Majlis Daerah – or any local authority (PBT) – is the body that issues the Accommodation Premises Business License.

How do I check if a hotel is registered in Malaysia?

You can verify MOTAC registration status through MOTAC’s official records or contact the ministry directly. The local PBT may also maintain a list of licensed accommodation premises.

Required documents for MOTAC registration

The exact list depends on the local PBT, but generally you need: (1) SSM registration documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Form 9), (2) proof of ownership or tenancy agreement, (3) building plans showing compliance with fire and safety regulations, and (4) the PBT business license.

Sources and references

  • MOTAC FAQs – Registration requirements, fee structure, and local authority split motac.gov.my/en/faqs/
  • Tourism Malaysia – Tourism business licensing and registration tourism.gov.my
  • Tourism Industry Act 1992 (legal text mirror) – Registration requirement and fee provisions mylaw.my
  • SSM company registration portal – Business entity incorporation requirements